A woman who got in a car and left with another woman after police said she caused a serious wreck on Hixson Pike near Northgate Mall is facing charges.
Tabitha Faye McCormick, 33, of 1226 Montlake Road, Soddy Daisy, is charged with vehicular assault, DUI, a traffic control violation and leaving the scene of an accident.
In the incident last Saturday, a silver Volvo driven by Ms. McCormick collided with a Ford F150 pickup truck driven by Bruce Bailey.
Mr. Bailey said he was making a left turn out of the mall parking lot on a yellow light when Ms. McCormick ran a red light and hit him. Both vehicles were badly damaged and were towed from the scene.
Mr. Bailey was complaining of arm pain and was transported by personal vehicle to a hospital to be checked out.
Morriah Huff, who saw the wreck, said the Volvo driver came over and got in the back seat of her car. She said the woman stated, I don't want him to beat me anymore. I don't want to die. Drive. Drive."
Ms. Huff said she was headed for Sweet Melissa's Pool Hall on Hixson Pike so she took Ms. McCormick with her. Police located Ms. McCormick there.
Police said she appeared to be heavily intoxicated and failed numerous field sobriety tests.
She said she had been at Charlie's Bar in Soddy Daisy. She said she had three Corona beers. She said she got into an argument with Ronald Sneed and left "in fear for her life."